The first official day of Spring – in the seasonal calendar, is Mar. 20. For Alabama Football spring began on Fri. Mar. 10. The Alabama Crimson Tide conducted its first spring practice session of 2022.
Practices are closed as the Crimson Tide continues its recent restrictions of no guests and no media. The guest restriction is eased for some. The media restriction applies to everyone.
No eyes on players at practice is frustrating for fans. In the past, limited media viewing periods gave some clues, at least which players were leading each position group. There is a short official video available at rolltide.com. The players were not in pads during the first of 14 practice sessions leading up to the A-Day game.
After the practice, Nick Saban gave his introductory media briefing for the spring season. The Crimson Tide head coach reported three injured players; Darrian Dalcourt, Ja’Corey Brooks and Keanu Koht will be held out of spring work. No specific information was given about running backs, Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams. Neither are expected to do contact work this spring. Speaking about other Alabama football players, Saban said,
"All the other players are doing some portion of practice and are making some progress towards being able to practice at some point in time in the spring. And those assessments will be made, you know, as they make progress throughout the spring."
Saban did acknowledge the three transfers, Jahmyr Gibbs, Eli Ricks and Jermaine Burton were “all impressive” in the Tide’s first session. Though far from projecting them as 2022 starters, Saban expressed confidence the trio can “create roles for themselves on the team.”
Responding to questions about the Crimson Tide offensive line, Saban mentioned Kendall Randolph, Damieon George Jr., Javion Cohen, JC Latham and Tommy Brockermeyer. According to Saban, Cohen, Latham and George will get looks at guard and tackle as the Tide staff seeks to identify the ‘five best” for the 2022 offensive line. In the context of the best five, Saban complimented Seth McLaughlin as a “tough” and smart player, adding along with Dalcourt, the center position is in good shape.
In what will surprise many Alabama fans, Saban spoke highly of Damieon George, saying the junior has had a “really good offseason.”
Getting even more praise from Saban was 6th-year player, Kendall Randolph. Saban said Randolph is one of the guys he is “most proud of” and that Randolph will begin spring work with the offensive line to compete for a starting role.
Hearing both George and Randolph have a chance to start in the fall will make some Crimson Tide fans wary. Trusting in Saban is always a good plan.